College notebook: JWCC’s Jennings receives All-American honors for second straight season

John Wood Community College sophomore forward Jarvis Jennings, right, was named an NJCAA Division II third-team All-American. Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — For the seventh time in the past nine seasons, the John Wood Community College men’s basketball program has produced an All-American. Sophomore forward Jarvis Jennings was named to the NJCAA Division II All-American third team, making him one of 30 players nationwide as selected by the NJCAA Division II Men’s Basketball Committee. Jennings,…

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JWCC’s Jennings earns Region 24 Player of the Year, Taylor and Kracht also honored

John Wood Community College's Jarvis Jennings accepts the Region 24 Player of the Year honor following Sunday's region championship game in Springfield, Ill. Matt Schuckman photo

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — A somber thought crossed Jarvis Jennings’ mind in the locker room Sunday afternoon. His John Wood Community College basketball career was finished. “It didn’t really hit me until I had to take my jersey off one last time,” Jennings said. “But that’s life. You take it to the chin and you have…

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Let’s get physical: Trail Blazers withstand Snappers’ style to earn first conference victory

John Wood Community College's Gabe Cox, left, pressures Spoon River's Tchumsy Wright III during the first half of Wednesday night's game at the Student Activity Center. Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The physical aspect of Wednesday night’s Mid-West Athletic Conference game negated the natural rhythm and flow John Wood Community College men’s basketball coach Brad Hoyt relishes. So while he was encouraged by the outcome, Hoyt was disappointed with the style. “I was expecting a little better basketball,” Hoyt said after the Trail Blazers…

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Trail Blazers believe November setback will benefit them in February’s postseason pursuit

John Wood Community College's Jarvis Jennings, right, begins his drive to the basket with 20 seconds remaining in overtime and Saturday's game against Des Moines Area Community College tied at 81. Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Come February, Jarvis Jennings believes the scenario plays out differently. Three months from now, Brad Hoyt expects to make a wiser decision. Together, they are supremely confident the John Wood Community College men’s basketball team will be entertaining a shot at reaching the NJCAA Division II national tournament because of what transpired Saturday…

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Trail Blazers hope experienced, savvy lineup leads to more national success

John Wood Community College men's basketball coach Brad Hoyt has four starters returning this season, including first-team All-American forward Jarvis Jennings. Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — With age comes wisdom, but sometimes age comes alone. Brad Hoyt is counting on the first part of Irish poet Oscar Wilde’s most celebrated adage to hold true. If the second part is more accurate, the veteran John Wood Community College men’s basketball coach might find himself feeling a little more haggard come…

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